> get PVC pipe instead.  it's lighter, easier to store, won't rot or give you
> splinters....

Use 3/4" diameter, cut to 8-3/6" length.  Support the hatch, pull the
circlip on the van side of the strut, pull the strut, slip over the
PVC, reassemble.  You're done.  I keep extras of these in my glove
box to hand out, so if you see us at a show or campout, ask me for
one.  :-)

-Karl

'87 Vanagon GL Weekender "Beverley"; Trexlertown, PA
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/
VW shop list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops